Justice Committee on May 11th, 2016

[The Chair, Liberal, Anthony Housefather]

Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to call to order this session of the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights, completing our clause-by-clause review of Bill C-14. When I use the word “completing”, I do mean completing.

I congratulate the members of the committee on their expeditious work so far, and hopefully today will be as collaborative as yesterday was.

Unfortunately, we have the challenge of the bells. We'll try to get as much done as possible between votes, and we'll figure out, when we go for the second vote, whether it pays to come back before the third vote or whether we stay there and just come back after the third vote. I guess we'll figure it out based on timing.

[Ted Falk, Conservative, Provencher, MB]

I think we'd be willing to sacrifice our three votes for your six.

[The Chair, Liberal, Anthony Housefather]

I think we only have five.

[Ted Falk, Conservative, Provencher, MB]

Oh, there are actually only eight. I'm sorry about that, guys.

[The Chair, Liberal, Anthony Housefather]

That's very kind.

We're moving right now to the preamble of the bill, as we have covered all of the clauses.

I'd ask everyone to turn to the preamble, which is on page 1. We will go in order on the list of amendments for the preamble, but at various times there has been some collaborative work done to amend some amendments. We may be dealing with a different amendment from the one that's actually in the package.

We're going to start with amendment CPC-33.1.

Mr. Falk.

(On the preamble)

[Ted Falk, Conservative, Provencher, MB]

Thank you, Mr. Chair.

The intent of this amendment is actually very simple, and that's to recognize an element in the Carter decision from the Supreme Court that references the sanctity of life. I just think it's important that it also be included in the preamble.

[The Chair, Liberal, Anthony Housefather]

Mr. Casey.

[Sean Casey, Liberal, Charlottetown, PE]

I just want to put the government's position on the record. The government opposes this amendment. The charter provides a constitutional guarantee of the right to life, liberty, and security of the person, which has informed every aspect of this bill. The provisions of Bill C-14 protect the sanctity of life, and the preamble already recognizes the inherent and equal value of every person's life.

Bill C-14 carefully weighs many important interests, including personal autonomy and the protection of the vulnerable. Separately recognizing a positive responsibility on the part of Parliament to uphold the sanctity of life is not necessary. The bill acknowledges the importance of suicide prevention, respect for Canadians with disabilities, and promotion of well-being more generally.

[The Chair, Liberal, Anthony Housefather]

Thank you very much, Mr. Casey.

Not seeing anyone who wishes to debate further, I will go back to Mr. Falk to close.

[Ted Falk, Conservative, Provencher, MB]

While I recognize what Mr. Casey has said, I think this just adds a little bit of clarity and sets the proper tone and provides the lens through which the rest of the bill should be viewed. It's a very simple amendment. It's nothing that should be controversial, and I don't think it's anything that's redundant. This just clearly reiterates what the Supreme Court ruled in their decision on the Carter case.

[The Chair, Liberal, Anthony Housefather]

We will now go to a vote on amendment CPC-33.1.

(Amendment negatived [See Minutes of Proceedings])

Next we will move to amendment CPC-34.

Just to note, CPC-34 is in conflict with amendment CPC-34.1. If CPC-34 is adopted, CPC-34.1 cannot go forward. Given that Mr. Viersen is not here, is there one you'd particularly choose, Mr. Falk, perhaps one that you drafted?

[Ted Falk, Conservative, Provencher, MB]

You know, I'm actually going to withdraw it, because it would be inconsistent with the bill.

[The Chair, Liberal, Anthony Housefather]

Perfect. We will move, then, to amendment CPC-35, which conflicts with—

[Colin Fraser, Liberal, West Nova, NS]

On a point of order with regard to amendment CPC-34, Mr. Falk withdrew his; I don't know whether he could withdraw Mr. Viersen's. Mr. Viersen is not here, so I would assume that—

[The Chair, Liberal, Anthony Housefather]

Mr. Viersen actually has no power to propose a thing. Mr. Falk or one of the members—

[Ted Falk, Conservative, Provencher, MB]

On a point of order, I wouldn't move it.

[The Chair, Liberal, Anthony Housefather]

—of the Conservatives would have had to move it, so my understanding was that Mr. Falk was withdrawing both of them.

[Colin Fraser, Liberal, West Nova, NS]

Fair enough. I just want to be clear.

[The Chair, Liberal, Anthony Housefather]

Next we get to CPC-35. It is is in conflict with PV-13, NDP-5, and CPC-35.2, so basically I want to note that all the others would fall if CPC-35 were adopted. I would ask if any of the members here would want to move it. If not, CPC-35 goes by the wayside, and we move to the next one, which is CPC-35.1.

Mr. Falk, go ahead.

[Ted Falk, Conservative, Provencher, MB]

This is an amendment that would clearly state that this bill in no way minimizes the efforts and the important public policy of the Parliament of Canada about suicide prevention. This is a significant public health issue, and we just want to recognize that in the preamble. Nothing after that minimizes this.

[The Chair, Liberal, Anthony Housefather]

Okay, that is easily understood.

I am not seeing anyone who wishes to debate. I will go back to Mr. Falk.

[Ted Falk, Conservative, Provencher, MB]

I have no further questions. It is very straightforward.

[The Chair, Liberal, Anthony Housefather]

It is pretty straightforward. I like somebody who is simple and straightforward.

We will move to the vote on CPC-35.1.

(Amendment negatived [See Minutes of Proceedings])

Mr. Rankin's new proposal, which was an attempt at bipartisan discussion and bipartisan drafting—which hopefully will be somewhat satisfactory—actually comes now, because it is after line 12. This would be NDP-4.2.

[Colin Fraser, Liberal, West Nova, NS]

Mr. Chair, why would that come before PV-13?

[The Chair, Liberal, Anthony Housefather]

After line 12.... You are right. It is after lines 22 and 23.